Understanding introverts and their influence

There may be more introverted people out there than you'd ever imagine.

According to writer Susan Cain's definition, introverted folks are not shy and they're not anti-social. The author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking" said on "CBS This Morning" that introverts are really people who simply prefer a less-stimulating environment.

"Shyness and introversion are different," she said. "Shyness is about the fear of negative judgment, whereas introversion is simply about a preference for a minimally stimulating environment. But both of them do tend to spring from an underlying temperament that is careful and sensitive and has all kinds of benefits that we tend to undervalue in this culture."

Cain added, "The latest statistics show that a-third to a half of all Americans are introverts. It's because so many people are passing as something they're not."

Jeff Glor said on "CBS This Morning" that he's an introvert. "There's a misconception about this. There is an impression that an introvert is a hermit and someone who doesn't come out, (and is) constantly shy. That isn't necessarily the case. ... I prefer a smart, quiet conversation, like this, as opposed to thumping in a club and cocktail party where you can't move."

Charlie Rose said, "That would be me."

In terms of leadership, Cain noted many of the GOP candidates and President Obama are introverts. She said of Mr. Obama and Mitt Romney, "Much of what has enabled them to get to the place where they are today is their introversion. They're ... known for very careful and meticulous planning of campaigns. They have cerebral styles."

For more discussion on introverts, in terms of leadership and gender, click on the video in the player above.

For an extended interview with author Susan Cain, watch the latest "Author Talk" with Jeff Glor.